Your Definitive Dining Guide to Singapore

Struggling to come up with ideas for a great spot to have your next meal? Well, stress no more because we’ve put together a list of some of the best restaurants Singapore has to offer. From long-time favourites to contemporary new spots making waves on the dining scene, these exceptional eateries offer good vibes and consistently good food. If you’re looking for the best food in Singapore, these spots are where it’s at. Keep an eye on this space because we’ll be updating the list regularly to make sure you have the latest lowdown on where to eat right now. Read on for our tried and tasted definitive Singapore restaurant guide.

With three different locations serving sushi made with fish flown in from Tsukiji Market every day, Akashi is a good bet when you’re craving high quality, authentic Japanese fare that won’t break the bank. The lunch and dinner sets are particularly good value and come with sushi, green tea soba noodles, or sukiyaki beef on rice with soup and fresh fruit on the side. We suggest dining at the Orchard Parade location, but do note, this is not for ambiance but the food definitely makes up for it. If you’re looking for an omakase experience, dine at the bar. Reservations highly recommended.

Named after chef-owner Akira Back, who was born in South Korea and raised in Aspen, Colorado, this chic haven of contemporary eats is a great option if you’re seeking something different. The menu boasts a range of global influences with dishes like the wagyu tacos with spicy tomato ponzu, crispy pork belly sushi rolls with cole slaw, and ji-dori chicken with truffled potato puree and teriyaki. As far as unique restaurants in Singapore go, this one’s definitely a winner.

Set in a 1950s shophouse on happening HongKong Street, Amo offers a cosy courtyard for al fresco dining, an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs pull pizzas out of the wood-fired oven, and a great selection of antipasti, homemade pastas, and other tasty Italian fare. Some of our faves include the burrata with eggplant salad, bottarga, and walnuts, and the sublime spaghetti vongole with clams, paprika, and cherry tomatoes. Whatever you do, be sure to order the saffron pasta.

No details spared when it came to making Bakalaki as authentically Greek as possible, right down to the wood and metal accents in the dining room that were imported from Greece and the traditional ingredients like Greek olive oil used in the dishes. Dig into tasty creations like the tyrokafteri spicy feta cheese spread with Greek yoghurt and roasted peppers, the expertly grilled octopus, and the tender keftedes meatballs with mint and lemon. It’s great for group dinners, but make sure you book well in advance.

The name alludes to the grand baroque era, but Bar-Roque Grill actually has a very easy-going atmosphere that matches perfectly with the hearty French and European cuisine. Chef Stephane Istel draws on his upbringing in Alsace, France to put together comfort food classics like rotisserie free-range chicken with gratin dauphinois and beef wellington with foie gras, mushrooms, and bordelaise sauce.

When it comes to French restaurants, Le Bistrot du Sommelier is one of our all-time faves. The dining room decor is rustic chic with exposed brick walls and wine bottles lining the window sills, and upstairs you’ll find the cosy Rillette Bar with long wooden tables and pots and pans hanging on the walls. No matter where you dine, you’ll tuck in to classic, slow-cooked French cuisine and a solid selection of natural wines. Have a chat with sommelier to get some great reccos on vino to go with your homemade charcuterie and imported French cheese.

Brought to us by the same folks behind Luke’s Oyster Bar & Chop House, this modern pizzeria is a pretty cool spot to hang after a long day of work. There will probably be 70s and 80s rock tunes playing when you sidle up to the bar or grab a table, and don’t be surprised if a sommelier stops by to help out with wine pairings. Definitely try the spinach and artichoke dip before digging into one of the divine thin-crust pizzas.

Meat lovers won’t want to miss this modern Australian BBQ joint where David Pynt and his team grill up top-notch meats, fish, and veggies over custom-built grills fueled by coal, apple wood, and almond wood. Signatures include the wagyu flat iron steak with bone marrow and the leeks with hazelnut and burnt butter. This 1-Michelin star hotspot has limited seats and they get scooped up fast. We suggest rounding up a group of 6 – 8 and reserving the chef’s table well in advance.

Pretty much every venue the Jigger & Pony Group has done have been wild successes, and Caffe Fernet is no exception. Set in a glass-fronted space in the Customs House right on the water, this beautiful Italian spot is a great place to grab a few sunset drinks. The classic Aperol Spritz is a must, but they also have other fun drinks like bellinis, negronis, and sours. The food is pretty spot-on too with lighter takes on Italian classics.

Missing those backyard BBQ vibes? Make your way down to Camp Kilo Charcoal Club for succulent roast meats next to the Kallang riverside. The barbie is always fired up here and the beers are always cold, plus there are plenty of parties that kick off on the regular. Do yourself a favour and try some of the whole-roasted pig cooked low and slow for more than four hours and the fiery sambal stingray. Please note, the sides are not to be ignored, especially the burnt carrots and cornbread.

Located in a cozy conservation shophouse in the Arab Quarter in Kampong Glam, Cicheti is named after the small plates served in Venetian bàcari (wine bars). The vibe here is Old World charm with a few modern touches, and the menu is made up of regional Italian classics including deliciou Neapolitan style pizzas baked to perfection in a wood-fired oven. Great wines round out the mix.

It may be set in a mall, but there’s nothing pedestrian about CUT by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck. Everything element of this restaurant demonstrats an enormous attention to detail from the softly lit dining room done up in leather and brass to the primo cuts of beef from Australia, Japan, and the US. Choose a selection from the meat cart and let the pros in the kitchen season your cut and grill it exactly to your liking. After one bite of that smoky char and juicy pink meat, you’ll understand why CUT lays claim to a coveted Michelin star. This restaurant also comes with impeccable service and the creamed spinach with fried organic eggs cannot be missed. If you enjoy dining at the bar, we recommend doing it hereand ordereing their spectacular mini ‘kobe’ sliders.

Since opening in 2015, Andrew Walsh’s Cure has been winning rave reviews for its bistronomy style set menus that change on a regular basis to shine the spotlight on seasonal ingredients. Keong Saik is buzzing with restaurants, but this is a good quality spot that banks more on the talents of the chef and the primo ingredients than the happening location. The menu changes on a regular basis and Chef Andy has yet to let us down on any of our visits. The dishes are refined with an element of creativity, which is rare to find. It’s worth the price point and we continue to enjoy supporting this establishment.

Helmed by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, this elegant eatery ticks all the right boxes, from its gorgeous white decor and innovative contemporary fusion cuisine that goes at reasonable prices. We enjoy coming here on Sundays and sharing a few plates with friends like the crispy salmon sashimi, spiced chicken samosas and fresh mozzarella pizza. We also love the chic colonial, tropical setting which makes for a great place to take out of towners.

iO Italian Osteria is set up like a traditional Italian taverna with white-washed wooden tables, draft barrels filled with house wine, and an open kitchen where the aromas of freshly baked bread waft out. All the dishes are made fresh from scratch with ingredients that are imported and as authentic as you’re going to get outside of Italy. Think orecchiette with sausage and saffron sauce and spicy roasted chicken ‘alla diavola’. It’s located in a modern lifestyle mall in Upper Bukit Timah, but it’s still a spot that’s worth the trek.

Have a special occasion coming up? If so, Les Amis is a pretty spectacular spot to celebrate. It’s been around since 1994 and just keeps getting better with time. Inside the two-storey space you’ll find high ceilings with hanging chandeliers, contemporary artworks, and sparkling glassware on all the tables. The cuisine is just as impressive, as chef Sebastien puts out refined French dishes with subtle Asian undertones. It really comes as no surprise that this establishment has been awarded 2 Michelin stars, 3 years in a row.

We’ve been huge fans of Luke’s ever since it opened, and to this day we still can’t get enough of the freshly shucked oysters, New England seafood, and amazing steaks. It’s all about super high-quality ingredients and classic American-style chop house classics here, not to mention an amazing wine list to go with the eats. Even the sides are divine like the lobster mac n’ cheese and kale salad with roasted peanuts and herbs. It’s great for business lunches and the price point definitely reflects their amazing service and ambiance. We prefer dining at The Heeren over Gemmil Lane but that’s always up for debate.

Die-hard foodies will love Magic Square, a unique pop-up restaurant that showcases young local culinary talents. Set in a homey space on Portsdown Road, the dining room looks like it could be straight out of a friend’s apartment with no-frills decor, an open kitchen and long communal table. There are two seatings at 6pm and 8:30pm, and at each you’re treated to a creative 9-course meal highlighting seasonal ingredients. This pop-up will be dissapearing in December, so hurry up and make youre booking for this one-of-a-kind experience.

Marui Sushi is a real hidden gem tucked away in a corner of Cuppage Plaza. This tiny Japanese spot has only three tables, but if you can snag one, you’ll be treated to an array of enticing sushi and sashimi expertly prepared by amiable chef Katayama. Be sure to to ask about the specials, as he often has stashes of seasonal goodies like Kinki fish from Hokkaido or plump, juicy Japanese oysters.

Fusion dishes are the focus at Meatsmith Little India, a cool spot that combines American BBQ with Indian spices and sauces. We’re obsessed with the butter chicken hot pockets stuffed with paneer cheese, deep fried, roasted in the tandoori oven, and served with a dreamy butter chicken dipping sauce. Be sure to check out the spiffy bar upstairs called Rogue Trader where you can grab Indian whiskies and beers along with dishes from the restaurant.

A far as izakayas in Singapore go, Nobuya is one of the best. Granted, the space is very no-frills and there’s a rule that reservations are only allowed if everyone at your table is drinking. But isn’t that what an izakaya is all about? The food here is consistently good with options like buttery sashimi, crunchy daikon salad, and miso braised mackerel. And of course plenty of beer and sake to wash it all down.

Named after a Tuscan resort town, Pietrasanta is run by the Massimini brothers, who put together rustic Italian dishes that will make you feel as though you’ve been whisked away to Italy. Start with an aperitif and some antipasti like cold cuts, marinated olives, and cheese before gorging on hearty fare like homemade lasagna, risotto with mushrooms and truffle oil, and baked sea bass with capers, olives, and tomatoes. This restaurant is located off the beaten path on Portsdown Road, but if you’re after an authentic and high quality meal, this is definitely worth a visit.

If you love spicy food, then Qi – House of Sichuan needs to be on your radar. Their flagship restaurant in Hong Kong lays claim to a coveted Michelin star, so you can expect only the best spicy, authentic fare at the Singapore location as well. It tends to get busiest around lunchtime when hungry CBD workers flock here to mow down on great eats like the salt and pepper tofu chilli oil wontons and fiery mala chicken. We suggest coming with a group so you can try a range of dishes. If you’re looking for a buzzy dinner spot, be warned, it may be a little empty due to the location.

Everything about Rang Mahal from the sleek dining room to the polished service and the beautifully presented plates screams elegance. The menu features a great range of traditional dishes alongside modern creations. Start with the tandoori fondue with grilled chicken kebabs and garlic naan cubes with a cheese tomato makhni dipping sauce. Then move on to mains like the black lentil dal slow cooked for 48 hours and the tender lamb rogan josh.

Chef Shinji Kanesaka seems to be somewhat of a Michelin star collector, as his original restaurant in Tokyo, Sushi Kanesaka, has two stars, and now each of his two Singapore ventures have earned their own single stars. No matter which Shinji by Kanesaka venue you choose, you can expect the highest quality fresh seafood flown in from Tsukiji Market and artfully prepared in the Edomae style by true sushi masters who have spent years honing their craft. Although the omakase set menus are pricey, we believe the whole experience is worth every penny.

Tandoor was established in 1985 and there’s a reason it’s still going strong today. The chefs draw on traditional Indian cooking techniques and classic recipes to offer up a smorgasbord of authentic dishes from all corners of the subcontinent including Goa, Lucknow, and Punjab. Try the aromatic malabar fish curry, the silky achari paneer tikka, the spice-infused kebabs with a side of naan and the crab curry.

Violet Oon is the queen of Peranakan cuisine, so it should come as no surprise that her latest venture at Clarke Quay celebrates Singaporean food in all its glory. Step inside Violet Oon Satay Bar and you’ll find a polished space with a kitchen behind glass where patrons can watch the chefs grill up all manner of smoky treats. The satays are the stars here with options like chicken, tripe, Angus beef and Hainan style pork served with spice-laden gravies. Also on offer are local favourites like Garam Assam Barramundi and Beef Rendang. This is a great spot to take out-of-towners.

3B River Valley Road, Clarke Quay #01-18 , Tel: +65 9834 9935

Wah Lok

Decadent dim sum feasts are just one of the draws at this Michelin-starred Cantonese spot. Settle into one of the cushioned chairs in the classy dining room and order up classics like the sauteed diced beef with garlic & black pepper sauce or the steamed crab claw in vermicelli with Chinese wine. Even better, they have a great BYOB policy where you can enjoy free corkage on up to four bottles of wine. They have a few private rooms too, so if you’re looking for a spot for a friends birthday, this is a great option.

Waku Ghin is a fine dining Japanese restaurant nestled within The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and overlooks the buzzing casino. The 10-course degustation regularly changes to showcase the freshest, seasonal produce. Every ingredient on every plate has been painstakingly considered, the provenance of each element a story in itself. Admittedly, the price tag of the meal might make some balk (it’s $450++ for the experience), but upon understanding the time and effort Chef Tetsuya personally dedicates to sourcing each ingredient and supplier (the musk melon used in dessert is grown specifically for use in Waku Ghin, the abalone sourced from Tasmania is harvested during certain winter months only to ensure peak freshness, and the fish comes from one supplier in Japan who ships the best produce according to Chef Tetsuya’s specific requirements), justifying the extravagance is easier.

Set in the stunning new Six Senses Duxton, Yellow Pot offers chic Oriental-inspired interiors and contemporary Chinese cuisine with a focus on sustainable ingredients. Standouts for us include the stir-fried, grass-fed beef tenderloin and braised duck with herbal soy sauce. There are also good vegetarian options and you can call ahead if you have any dietary restrictions. In addition to the food, the chic setting and ambiance secured this spot as one of our current favourites.